Check your accounts: Marriott bonus elite night credits are posting
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
Most hotel programs have been busy pivoting in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — including extending elite status and reducing 2021 status qualification requirements. Last month, Marriott announced a unique promotion to reward existing elite members beyond its status extensions through February 2022: It would be depositing bonus elite-night credits into members' accounts.
With this promotion, members will earn 50% of the elite nights needed to qualify for the elite status that they held in 2020. For example, if you were a Platinum elite in 2020, which requires 50 nights a year, you'd get 50% of that — or 25 elite nights — as a bonus.
Here’s the breakdown:
| ELITE STATUS TIER EARNED IN 2020 | ANNUAL TIER REQUIREMENTS | 50% ELITE NIGHT CREDITS (ENC) DEPOSIT |
|---|---|---|
Ambassador Elite | 100 Qualifying Nights and U.S. $20,000 stay spend | 50 Elite Night Credits |
Titanium Elite | 75 Qualifying Nights | 38 Elite Night Credits |
Platinum Elite | 50 Qualifying Nights | 25 Elite Night Credits |
Gold Elite | 25 Qualifying Nights | 13 Elite Night Credits |
Silver Elite | 10 Qualifying Nights | 5 Elite Night Credits |
Member | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
While Marriott said that these bonus elite-night credits would be deposited at some point in February, we didn't know that they'd post so soon.
While some TPG staffers have started to receive their bonus nights (that stack with the bonus nights from having the cobranded Marriott credit cards), not all have received them yet. They are likely being done in batches, don't fret if yours aren't there displaying quite yet. When Marriott deposited bonus elite-night credits last year, it took several days for all elites to get their credits. Also, similar to last year, Marriott will likely send out emails to eligible members once the credits have been deposited.
Last year, eligible members received an email with the subject line, "We’ve Added ___ Elite Night Credits to Your Account."
The example above is from a TPG staffer who qualified for Platinum Elite status, so they were given 25 elite nights — half of the 50-night requirement. Combined with having a Marriott credit card that automatically awards 15 elite night credits each year, that account is now just 10 nights away from requalifying for Platinum status without actually doing anything.
Elite night credits are primarily used to help you qualify for elite status each year (as the name would suggest), but Marriott already took care of that by extending members' status through February 2022. Still, there are a few reasons why receiving these nights could be beneficial.
Upgrade to a higher tier of elite status
Bonus elite night credits, when combined with elite nights earned from Marriott credit cards or from any trips you manage to take this year, may help you qualify for a higher level of elite status than you previously held. For instance, if you hold a personal and business Marriott credit card, you could already have 30 additional nights in your account.
But also, keep in mind that any status you earn this year will be valid all the way through Feb. 28, 2023.
Qualify for lifetime elite status
Marriott uses two factors to determine eligibility for lifetime elite status: number of years with status and total number of elite night credits. This includes actual nights spent in a hotel as well as those earned from credit cards or other promotions. Earning dozens of extra elite night credits can help people close the gap.
Earn additional Choice Benefits
Marriott offers its top-tier elites Choice Benefits, with a selection earned after staying both 50 and then 75 nights a year. The options include things like Suite Night Awards, bonus elite night credits, gifting elite status and more. However, these perks are based solely on your actual nights in a year — and aren't automatically granted to existing lifetime elites and under the previously-announced status extensions.
If your boost pushed you over the threshold to qualify for Platinum status or higher, log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account at this link to choose your benefits. Just remember that your selections are final — so choose carefully.
Register for Marriott's upcoming promotion
In addition to depositing bonus elite-night credits, Marriott has opened registration for its upcoming promotion. The promotion will run from Feb. 16 through April 27, 2021 and allow members to earn double the number of points and elite night credits for all stays of two nights or more.
If you're already signed in to your account to check if your bonus nights have posted, simply head to the promotions page to register. Alternatively, you can register using this link.
Between this promotion, the bonus elite-night credits and nights you might have from a cobranded Marriott card, earning Bonvoy elite status this year will be easier than ever.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy makes it easier to earn elite status and redeem points in 2021
Bottom line
If you haven't checked your Marriott account recently and you earned elite status in 2019 or 2020, you may want to log in to see your current elite-night balance in the coming days. This boost is great as it could help you reach a higher tier of Bonvoy elite status this year, or unlock a new set of Choice Benefits. Depending on what status you have and if you hold cobranded Marriott credit cards, you may have already qualified for status through Feb. 2023 without even realizing it.
Additional reporting by Nick Ewen and Ethan Steinberg.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.